Composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and lubricant comprising the same



. sting conditions.

Patented Oct. 2, 1945 COMPOSITION OF MATTER SUITABLE FOR USE AS A LUBRICANT AND LUBRICANT, COMPRISING THE SAME John M. Musselman, South Euclid, Ohio, assignor to The Standard Oil Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio No Drawing. Application October 18, 1943,

Serial No. 506,751

20 Claims.

This invention relates to lubricants and more particularly to lubricants suited for various uses, including high pressures or high temperatures or both, as for internal combution engines operating at high temperatures or for lubricating heavy equipment. Such lubricants are subject to breakdowns due to sludge and acid formation.

This application is a continuation-impart of applications Serial No. 376,675, flied January 30, 1941, now- Patent No. 2,331,923, Serial No. 455,344, filed August 19, 1942, and Serial No. 414,977, filed October 14, 1941.

An object of the invention is to provide a new composition suitable'for use as a lubricant or as an addition agent in lubricating oils and greases to prevent sludge and acid formation under operr Another object is to provide an inhibitor of the above type having novel and improved characteristics, and comprising a dual metal compound, one of the metals being calcium, of the reaction product of an ester wax with a phosphorus sulfide.

Various other objects and advantages will be apparent as the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are pointed out more particularly in the claims appended hereto, the invention will be better understood by referring to the following description in which certain specific embodiments thereof have been set forth for purposes of illustration.

In accordance with the present invention I have found that certain oxygen-containing ester waxes may be treated with a sulfide of phosphorus and that the reaction product thereof may be converted in a dual metal compound thereof, one of the metals being calcium. If the proportions of the wax and sulfide are such and the temperature conditions high enough, a reaction product containing sulfur and having a minimum of oxygen and phosphorus is produced. This is the preferred embodiment of the intermediate product to be converted into the dual metal calciumcontaining compound thereof. If these conditions do not obtain, the reaction product is or may contain a thiophosphate. The reaction product is separated from asludge containing oxygen and phosphorus, probably in the form of oxides of phosphorus, along with other materials. In the preferred embodiment, the reaction indicated by the observed facts appear to be one in which sulfur replaces the major portion of the oxygen in the wax, and the displaced oxygen combines with the phosphorus to form a phosphorus oxide which can be removed with the sludge. When a thiophosphate is formed, the phosphorus content of the sulfide or at least a part of it is combined in wax.

The reaction product may then be reacted with a plurality of metal compounds, one of which is calcium, to form the corresponding dual metal calcium-containing compound or compounds of the reaction product. Such dual metal compound or compounds have been found to possess characteristics suitable for use per se as a lubricant or for use as an inhibitor in various lubricating oilsand greases.

In the preferred embodiment it is important that the reaction between the wax and the phosphorus sulfide be carried out at a temperature above the temperature of thiophosphate formation so that a minimum of phosphorus enters into the reaction product. The reaction product,

therefore, is substantially free from or has a minimum of phosphorus or thiophosphates. Also, a minimum of oxygen remains in wax, since the phosphorus eliminates the removable oxygen from the wax, probably as a phosphorus oxide.

In the preferred embodiment it is also important that the amount of the phosphorus sulfide be: at least equivalent to the theoretical quantity required for the sulfur to replace the oxygen of the wax. Since the atomic weight of sulfur is just double that of oxygen, it is desirable to use an amount of a phosphorus sulfide, such that the weight of the sulfur therein is double the weight of the oxygen contained in the wax. An excess of the theoretical amount may be of assistance in forcing the reaction to The phosphorus sulfide, preferably, may be in the form of phosphorus pentasulilde or phosphorus sesquisuliide.

After the reaction is completed, any phosphorus oxide or oxides which separate out as a The excess should not be too great,

' earth metal.

[as only to partially saponify the reaction prod-' the latter is easy to remove. These metal compounds of the reaction product have the property of stabilizing mineral oil against breakdown and exercise a peptizing action or detergency tending to maintain the solids in suspension. They also raise the viscosity index of the oil and lower the cold test.

The inclusion of the calcium compound imparts excellent peptizing action or detergency which is always a desirable characteristic irrespective of the properties desired or imparted by other ingredients. The inclusion 'of an alkali metal compound imparts emulsifying properties which is desirable in some instances.

.metal which may exert a pro-oxidant eifect.

= droxides of be completely or partially saponifled. If desired,

the amounts of the metal compounds may be such uct forming a mixture of the unsaponified reaction product and the metal compound or compounds thereof. Such a mixture is advantageous under somecircumstances since it embodies the features characteristic of the dual-metal saponifled product together with characteristics attrib uted at least in part to the presence of polar groups in the unsaponified portion.

In those tances where the oxides or hye metals'react directlywith the wax-sulfide reaction product to saponify it (which is the case with calcium and some other metals), the preferred procedure is to use the oxides or hydroxides of the two metals. They may be added to the reaction product and reacted with it together or separately.

If the oxides or hydroxides of the metal other than calcium is not sufiiciently reactive, the initial wax-sulflde reaction product may be partly neutralized with caustic soda or potash and the resulting salt may be then reacted with a metal However, iron and copper-containing compounds are quite useful themselves or as additives in a gear box and similar type lubricants'andgreases.

As a specific example of one of the preferred embodiments, degras may be reacted with about 18 to 25%, preferably about 23%, by We t of phosphorus pentasulflde at a temperature between 275 F. and 350 F., preferably 300 F. Degras has an oxygen content (by analysis) of 6 to 7%. An exothermic reaction occurs and generally a reaction time of an hour or slightly more or less is involved. The temperature is above the temperature of thiophosphate formations and may be carried out without introducing a substantial amount of phosphorus into the reaction product. If a lower temperature is used.

a thiophosphate may be formed. The phosphorus and oxygen-containing sludge may be removed.

The reaction product, depending on the proportions of ingredients and the temperature will contain 10 to 13% su1fur, 0.75 to 1.50% phosporus, and 0.9 to 2.0% oxygen.

The reaction product is then treated with calcium oxide or calcium-hyroxide and the oxide or hydroxide of some other metal, such as sodium, potassium, barium, magnesium, lithium.

strontium, chromium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, mercury, bismuth, etc. to form the dualmetal compound. This reaction may take place at around 210 to 250 F. for a period of about '1 to2hours.

The amount of the metal compounds used to treat. the reaction product will depend upon the salt, such as the chloride or sulfate, to replace all or a part of the sodium and to form the desired metal compound through a double decomposition reaction. The calcium may be introduced simultaneously with the alkalimetal or after the double decomposition reaction.

I am not certain if both of the metals become chemicallycombined in a singl'e molecule or if the new composition or additive comprises a mixture in which the two metals are each in different molecules. However, I intend either possiscription of the dual metal compounds characteristics desired in the final compound, 7

In general 1.5 to 15% of calcium oxide or hy-.

droxide and-1.5 to 15% of oxide or hydroxide of the other metal is preferred, based on the wax-' of the reaction product.

The above composition has been found suitable for use as a lubricant per se and is particularly effective as an inhibitor when used even in small percentages in lubricating oils and greases.

The amount of the above described metal compound of the reaction product to be added to the oil or grease will depend on the characteristics of the oil or grease and its intended use. Some oils have more-0f a tendency to form acid and sludge than others and such oils require large quantities of the addition agent. Also, oils that are intended for high temperature use, especially in the presence of pro-oxidant catalyst require larger amounts. In general the range is from 1 to 10%, but under some circumstances amounts as small as 0.01% show a remarkable improvement. Since the addition agent is a lubricant itself there is no upper limit to the amount that may be added to an oil.

An S. A. E. 20 lubricating oil containing 5% of the dual-metal salt of calcium and arsenic,

when subjected to a standard twenty hour test in anEthyl Gasoline Corporation type test en'- gine, shows a remarkable improvement with reference to sludge formation, acid number, viscosity increase, and deposit on the piston skirt, as compared with the same oil without the addition agent when treated under similarconditions.

The particularly excellent pepetizing action or detergency of the compound may be shown by v the test method measuring the ability of the lusulflde reaction product. In a. specific illustrative 76 bricants containin the additive to maintain carbon black in suspension. A similar. carbon black in the art;-

' assassa suspension in an oil not containing the calciumcontaining dual-metal compound settles out rela tively quickly. The dual-metal compounds of the present invention are particularly valuable for addition to mineral oils suitable for Diesel type engine operation where products of composition produce materials tending to block up small openings.

I As a further illustration of the invention, degras was reacted with 23% of phosphorus pentasulfide at 300 F. for 2 hours, and the sludge formed was then separated. The reaction product was then saponified with a mixture of lime and potash in amounts such that equal molar quantities of each were used (3% of calcium hydroxide and 4.5% of potassium hydroxide) These quantities were such as to produce a soap having a pH value of '7 or slightly higher, indicating complete saponification. After saponifying, the metal compound of thereaction product was filteredand added to a Mid-Continent S. A. E. 30 motor oil in an amount of 3%. This was then subjected to a standard hour test in an Ethyl Gasoline Corporation type test engine. At the conclusion of the run, the sludge was 0.50% the acid number was 0.52; the viscosity increase was 4 33; and the skirt rating number was 0.0. In contrast, the same S. A. E. oil, without the addition agent, was run under identical conditions and showed 4.00% sludge; an acid number of 4.50; a viscosity increase of 350; and a skirt rating number of 8.0 to 10.0.

If it is desired, additional sulfur may be incorporated into the reaction product for increasing the total sulfur content. Experien'cehas shown that such sulfur can be added either to the waxsulfide reaction product or to the metal compound thereof. It is believed that such a reaction is one of adding sulfur to the sulfur already present, perhaps to form disulfides or polysulfides.

While a particular, embodiment of the invention has been described, it will be understood that the invention is capable of various adaptations which will be readily apparent to a person skilled The invention is to be restricted in accordance with the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

' 1. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and asan addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases,

comprising a calcium-containing dual-metal compound of the reaction product of a phOSPh rus sulfide and an oxygen-containin wax.

2. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and grasses. comprising a calcium-containing dual-metal compound of the reaction product of phosphorus pentasulfide and degras.

. 3. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricanting oils and greases, comprising a calcium-containing dualmetal compound of the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax reacted in proportions and at a temperature to replace a major portion of the oxygen in the wax with sulfur.

4. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve proportions and at a temperature to form a prod- .uct having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus.

5. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising a calcium-containing dual-metal compound of the reaction product of'phosphorus pentasulfide and degras reacted in proportions and at a temperature to form a product having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus.

6. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising a dual-metal compound, one of the metals being calcium and the other a metal other than an alkaline earth, of the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax reacted in proportions and at a temperature to form a product having less than 2% of oxygen .and 1.5% of phosphorus.

"'7. A composition ofmatter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and-greases, comprising a dual-metal compound, one of the metals being calcium and the other a metal other than an alkaline earth, of the reaction product of phosphorus pentasulfide and degras reacted in proportions and at a temperature to form a product having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus.

8. A lubricant comprising a mineral lubricating oil and an addition agent comprising a. calcium-containing dual-metal compound of the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax.

9. A lubricant comprising a. mineral lubricating oil and an addition agent comprising a calciumcontaining dual-metal compound of the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygencontaining wax reacted in proportions and at a temperature to replace a major portion of the oxygen in the wax with sulfur.

uct having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus. I

11. A lubricant comprising a mineral lubricating oil and anaddition agent comprising a dualmetal compound, one of the metals being calcium and the other a metal other than an alkaline earth, of the reaction product of phosphorus the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases,

pentasulfide and degras reacted in proportions and at a temperature to form a product having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus.

12. The process for making a composition suit-- able for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising reacting a phosphorus sulfide with an oxygen-containing wax at a temperature to prevent thiophosphate formation and to remove the major portion of the oxygen in the wax by reaction with the phosphorus in the sulfide, removing the phosphorus and oxygen-containing sludge from the reaction product, and reacting said product with compounds of a plurality of metals, one of which is calcium.

13'. The process for making a composition suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricate ing oils and greases, comprising reacting a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax in proportions such that the sulfur in the sulfide is at least stoichiometrically as great as the oxygen in the wax and atv a temperature such that the major portion of the oxygen in the wax is combined with the phosphorus in the sulfide,

removing the phosphorus and oxygen-containin sludge from the wax-sulfur reaction product, and reacting said wax-sulfur product with a plurality of metal compounds, one of which is calcium.

15. The process for making a composition suitable tor use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising reacting a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax in proportions such, that thesultur in the sulfide is at least stoichiometricalli as great as the oxyassaasa jor portion oi. the oxygen in the degras is combined with the phosphorusin the sulfide, removing the phosphorus and ozwgen-containing sludge from the degras-sulfur reaction product,

gen in the wax and at a temperature such that 1 the major portion of the oxygen in the wax is combined with the phosphorus in the sulfide, removing the phosphorus and oxygen-containing sludge from the wax-sulfur reaction product, and

V reacting said wax-sulfur product with a plurality agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising reacting phosphorus pentasulfide and degras in proportions such that the sulfur in the sulfide is at least stoichiometrically as great as the oxygen'in the degras and at a temperature such that the maand reacting said degras-sulfur product with lime and a reactive compound 0! a metal other than an alkaline earth.

17. The process for making a composition suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition 10.

agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising reacting phosphorus pentasulfide -and degras in proportions such that thesulfur in the sulfide is at least stoichiometrically as great as the oxygen in' the degras and at a temperature such that the. mav.ior portion of the oxygen in the degras is combined with the phosphorus in the sulfide, removing the phosphorus and oxygen-containing sludge from the degras-sulfur reaction product, react ing a portion of said degras-sulfur productwith lime, and reacting another portion with an.alkali..: metal caustic and then with a compound or a 1 metal other than an alkali and alkaline earth a metal. Y

18. A composition of matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising a calcium-arsenic dual-metal compound of the reaction product ofa phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing was.

19. A composition 01' matter suitable for use as a lubricant and as an addition agent to improve the characteristics of lubricating oils and greases, comprising a calcium-arsenic dual-metal compound oi the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax reacted in proportions and at a temperature to replace a major portionot the oxygen in the wax with suli'ur.

20. A lubricant comprising a mineral lubricating oil and an addition agent comprising a calcium-arsenic dual-metal compound of the reaction product of a phosphorus sulfide and an oxygen-containing wax reacted in proportions and at a temperature to form a product having less than 2% of oxygen and 1.5% of phosphorus.

JOHN M. mssmn. 

